Alternatives to Quillichew ER: What to Know

When you can't find Quillichew ER at any pharmacy, missing doses isn't an option — especially for a child who depends on their ADHD medication to function at school and home. The good news is that there are several alternative medications your doctor can consider while Quillichew ER is unavailable.

Important: Never switch medications on your own. All of the alternatives below require a new prescription from your doctor. This article is meant to help you have an informed conversation with your prescriber.

Why Quillichew ER Is Unique

Before we explore alternatives, it helps to understand what makes Quillichew ER special:

• It's the only long-acting chewable methylphenidate tablet on the market
• It's cherry-flavored and designed for patients who can't swallow pills
• It contains 30% immediate-release and 70% extended-release methylphenidate
• It comes in 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg strengths (with the ability to split the 20 mg and 30 mg tablets)
• It provides coverage for up to 8 hours

Finding a true one-to-one replacement is difficult because no other product matches all of these features. But several alternatives come close.

Closest Alternative: Quillivant XR (Liquid Methylphenidate)

Quillivant XR is an extended-release oral suspension (liquid) of methylphenidate, also made by Tris Pharma. It's the closest alternative to Quillichew ER because:

• It doesn't require swallowing a pill
• It uses the same extended-release technology
• It's available in flexible doses (measured with an oral syringe)
• It's banana-flavored

Downsides: Quillivant XR must be refrigerated after mixing, it may also be affected by the ADHD medication shortage, and some patients don't prefer the liquid form. The cash price is also high — roughly $300–$400 per bottle without insurance.

Other Methylphenidate Alternatives

Concerta (Methylphenidate ER Tablets)

Concerta is one of the most widely prescribed long-acting methylphenidate products. It uses an OROS (osmotic-release) delivery system and is available in 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, and 54 mg tablets. Generic versions are available, which can significantly reduce cost.

Key consideration: Concerta tablets must be swallowed whole — they cannot be chewed, crushed, or split. This is a dealbreaker for patients who need a chewable form.

Ritalin LA (Methylphenidate ER Capsules)

Ritalin LA capsules can be opened and the beads sprinkled onto a spoonful of applesauce, which makes them easier for children who can't swallow capsules. Available in 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg strengths.

Key consideration: The beads must not be chewed, and the applesauce must be swallowed immediately. It's a good workaround but not the same as a chewable tablet.

Aptensio XR (Methylphenidate ER Capsules)

Similar to Ritalin LA, Aptensio XR capsules can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce. Available in a wider range of strengths: 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, and 60 mg.

Jornay PM (Methylphenidate ER Capsules)

Jornay PM is taken in the evening and designed to provide symptom control the following morning. Capsules can be opened and sprinkled. This is a very different dosing approach but may work for some patients.

Non-Methylphenidate Stimulant Alternatives

If methylphenidate products are broadly unavailable, your doctor might consider switching to an amphetamine-based stimulant:

Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)

Vyvanse is available as both capsules and chewable tablets, making it one of the few long-acting stimulant alternatives that offers a chewable form. The chewable tablets come in 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, and 60 mg strengths.

Key consideration: Vyvanse is an amphetamine-based medication, not methylphenidate. Switching drug classes is a bigger change and should be carefully managed by your doctor. A generic version of Vyvanse capsules is now available, which may help with cost.

Dyanavel XR (Amphetamine ER Oral Suspension)

Made by Tris Pharma (the same company behind Quillichew ER), Dyanavel XR is a liquid extended-release amphetamine. It's another option for patients who can't swallow pills, though it's a different stimulant class.

Non-Stimulant Alternatives

If stimulant medications are unavailable or not appropriate, non-stimulant ADHD medications include:

• Strattera (atomoxetine): A non-stimulant that works differently than methylphenidate. Generic versions are widely available and affordable.
• Qelbree (viloxazine): A newer non-stimulant option for both children and adults.
• Intuniv (guanfacine ER): Often used as an add-on therapy or standalone for patients who can't tolerate stimulants.
• Kapvay (clonidine ER): Another non-stimulant option, sometimes used in combination with stimulants.

Non-stimulants typically take longer to reach full effectiveness (2–6 weeks) and may be less effective than stimulants for some patients. However, they're not controlled substances and are generally easier to find.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Switching

When discussing alternatives with your prescriber, consider asking:

1. "What's the closest available alternative to Quillichew ER for my child's needs?"
2. "Are there any formulations that don't require swallowing pills?"
3. "If we switch, what should I watch for during the transition?"
4. "Can we plan to switch back to Quillichew ER when it becomes available?"

Your doctor can help determine equivalent doses and create a transition plan that minimizes disruption to your (or your child's) treatment.

The Bottom Line

While no alternative perfectly replaces Quillichew ER's unique chewable format, there are several good options available. Quillivant XR is the closest match for patients who can't swallow pills. For patients open to capsule-sprinkle methods, Ritalin LA and Aptensio XR are solid choices. And Vyvanse chewable tablets offer a long-acting chewable option from a different stimulant class.

Use MedFinder to check availability of these alternatives, and read our guide on how to find Quillichew ER in stock to keep trying for your preferred medication.